Politics and Social Theory - (Themes in Social Theory) by Will Leggett (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Under present social conditions, neither social theorists nor political scientists can afford to ignore one another. This book is a clear, structured account of the relationship between politics and social theory, examining both the political content of social theory, and how social theory has illuminated our understanding of politics.

From the Back Cover

Politics and Social Theory invites social theorists, sociologists and political scientists to integrate their work more closely. Developing an original framework for understanding the society-politics relation, it calls on political analysts to recognise the 'inescapably social' elements of political ideas and action, and sociologists to be aware of the 'irreducibly political' aspects of social life. The book shows how social theory can explain, critique and even constitute political practice. The argument is pursued through substantive chapters devoted to:

- the state and governance
- political identity and participation
- culture, ideology and discourse

Each chapter contains a detailed analysis of how classic and contemporary social theories approach the topic. In-depth case studies then highlight how such theories influence -and are influenced by- empirical political research and action. Examples include the active state within globalisation; the rise of citizen-co-governance; political consumerism as activism; and the hegemony of neoliberal ideology. Chapters conclude with analysis of what each topic reveals about the wider society-politics relation.

This book is essential reading for students and researchers seeking to understand politics in its social context, theoretically and empirically.

About the Author

WILL LEGGETT is Senior Lecturer in Sociology in the School of Government and Society, University of Birmingham, UK and author of After New Labour: Social Theory and Centre-Left Politics. He researches and teaches in the fields of political sociology and social and political theory, and has particular interests in the relationship between social change, ideology and political identities and action. More recently he has focused on the rise of 'behaviour change' as a political objective: his 'The politics of behaviour change: nudge, neoliberalism and the state', won the 2015 Ken Young Prize for the best article in the journal Policy & Politics.
WILL LEGGETT is Senior Lecturer in Sociology in the School of Government and Society, University of Birmingham, UK and author of After New Labour: Social Theory and Centre-Left Politics. He researches and teaches in the fields of political sociology and social and political theory, and has particular interests in the relationship between social change, ideology and political identities and action. More recently he has focused on the rise of 'behaviour change' as a political objective: his 'The politics of behaviour change: nudge, neoliberalism and the state', won the 2015 Ken Young Prize for the best article in the journal Policy & Politics.